Mercedes-Benz Start Up completes its 2012 cycle and commences
the 2013 season with a call for new applicants

TORONTO--Feb. 19,
2013: Mercedes-Benz Start Up, Canada's premiere
program for emerging designers, is kicking off the 2013 season with a
call for new applicants. Aspiring fashion designers from across the
nation seeking mentorship and the opportunity to showcase their work in
front of an international audience at World MasterCard Fashion Week
are encouraged to apply at Mercedes-Benz Startup .

To officially conclude the exciting 2012 cycle, Awarded Designer DUY
will debut his 2013 Fall Collection on the Toronto runways on March
19,
2013 during World MasterCard Fashion Week. Duy Nguyen, designer behind
the eponymous brand, DUY, was one of eight finalists chosen by a panel
of industry experts after last year's nationwide search. Following an
impressive showing of all eight collections in October, the judging
panel selected DUY as the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Awarded Designer for
2012 and subsequently invited him to present his designs in a solo
show.

DUY has gained invaluable experience to prepare him for this next phase
of the program through mentorship from many industry experts including
Bernadette Mora, Editor-in-Chief of FASHION
Magazine and Barbara Atkin,
Fashion Director at Holt Renfrew. Additionally, DUY also received
accolades in numerous fashion publications and the attention of
industry experts nationwide, supporting the program's mission of
helping young designers reach their business objectives.

"Mercedes-Benz Start Up offers aspiring designers the opportunity to be
discovered, mentored and groomed to become successful business owners,"
says Jarrad Clark, Director of Global
Production, IMG Fashion Events
and Properties. "The beauty of this program is that you do not need to
live in Toronto or a metropolis to apply
or be a part of this
experience. We travel across the nation to make it easily accessible
for designers to meet with our panel in a place close to home as we
believe there is hidden talent across the country."

"We are thrilled that the Mercedes-Benz Start Up program continues to
gain momentum and prominence across Canada," said JoAnne Caza, Director
of Communications and Public Relations, Mercedes-Benz Canada. "As we
enter our third cycle, we remain committed to further expanding our
network of mentors and alumni to provide tangible benefits for
participants. Our judges and mentors continue to be impressed and
inspired by the incredible talent that exists from coast-to-coast, and
we look forward to continuing to showcase Canada's best and brightest
emerging designers through this important ongoing initiative."

Those interested in applying are required to submit an application that
includes a portfolio and an outlined plan of their business goals. More
details and the full application are available at
Mercedes-Benz Startup